CARING FOR YOUR SKIN AFTER A SUNBURN
by the University of Missouri at Rolla,
Student Health Services Department
 

Sunburn is a condition resulting from an over exposure of the skin to Ultraviolet (UV) rays found in sunlight. Everyone, even dark skinned persons, are at risk for sunburn. Fair skinned, blue eyed blondes and redheads are especially susceptible.

Redness, pain, swelling, and even blistering can occur from this over exposure. Peeling usually follows several days later. The pain of a sunburn is usually greatest between 6 and 48 hours after exposure.

Sunburn Prevention

• Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when its rays are strongest
• Use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or greater at all times. Use a waterproof product if swimming or exercising and reapply according to directions.
• Beware of cloudy days, you can still burn then
• Don't use sunlamps, reflectors, or tanning beds. They produce high levels of ultraviolet radiation!
• Be informed about any medications you are taking and their side effects. Many types of medications react badly to sun exposure.

Sunburn Treatment

• First you must stop the burn
  • Use cool wet compresses for first 48 hours. Some report baking soda or vinegar compresses are comforting. Do not use ice.
  • Cool oatmeal baths may be helpful
  • NO lotions or petroleum jelly in the first 48 hours!! These hold in the heat!
  • You MAY use Aloe Vera Gels in the first 48 hours
  • Apply moisturizing lotions after 48 hours
  • Aspirin taken as directed on the label may help ease pain
• Seek medical attention if fever, fluid-filled blisters, dizziness or visual disturbances are present

Long Term Effects

The sun weakens the skin's elasticity leading to premature aging, such as early wrinkles and a tough, leathery look. Over exposure also leads to the development of flat, scaly, reddish patches called Solar Keratoses, which sometimes are precancerous. The most serious consequence of over exposure to the sun is skin cancer. Over 700,000 new cases of this most common form of cancer occur each year. No tan is a safe tan.

Are You at High Risk for Skin Cancer?  Take the University's test test and add up the points to gauge your risk of skin cancer:   Take the Test

Reader's Digest Problem Solver's Dictionary
Reader's Digest Back to Basics

First-degree burns are superficial. The skin becomes slightly red and swollen. Sunburns often fall into this category.

Second-degree burns penetrate the first layer of skin and damage the second layer. Skin is red, mottled and blistered and pain is much more intense than a sunburn.

Third-degree burns penetrate and damage all layers of skin. Usually the result is charred, black areas, or dry, white areas. These burns are always serious and subject to infection, so don't attempt to treat with home remedies. Treat as described below, and get yourself to a doctor.

For immediate treatment of serious burns, wet down and remove any smoldering clothing. Pour cold water over tar, wax or grease, but don't try to remove it from the skin. If the burn seems to be 1st or 2nd degree, immerse the area in ice water or apply a cool wet dressing for no longer than 10 minutes. For 3rd degree burns, immerse in water only if it's still burning. Apply a loose, dry, sterile dressing to all third and second degree burns. Don't put anything else on the burns, and take the victim to the emergency room.

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After Sun Relief Gel #1

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera gel (or roughly the amount extracted from one fresh leaf)

• 2 Tbsp. brewed Chamomile Tea or Green Tea

• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

Mix essential oils, tea and aloe in a clean glass bowl.  Apply with fingers directly on sunburned or mildly irritated skin.   Use immediately. Do not store.

After Sun Relief Gel #2

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera gel (or roughly the amount extracted from two fresh leaves)

• 2 Tablespoons Witch Hazel

• 1 Teaspoon of Glycerin

• 1/2 Teaspoon kelp powder

• 2 drops chamomile essential oil

• 2 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

Blend each of the ingredients together and decant into a dark glass (recommended) or a plastic dispenser bottle. Shake well before use. Best stored in a cool place, where it will last approximately 3 months.

After Sun Relief Gel #3

Ingredients

• 1 rough chunked cucumber

• 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera gel (or roughly the amount extracted from one fresh leaf)

• 1/4 cup Glycerin

• 1/4 cup rosewater

• 2 drops rose essential oil

Instructions

Place cubes of cucumber into a lemon juicer or garlic press, to extract as much juice as possible.  Reserve.  Save cucumber for another recipe.  Mix juice with remaining ingredients.  Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

After Sun Soothing Bath

Ingredients

• 2 cup of finely ground oats

• 2 cups of whole milk

• 10 drops of Lavender essential oil

Instructions

Combine milk and oatmeal in a blender and cook until slightly warm and mixed -- do not boil or cook to the same point as when you are preparing for -- you're making a lukewarm slurry.  Remove, and add lavender oil.  Stir ingredients in a lukewarm or cool bath.  The Lavender Essential oil has healing agents particularly suited to sunburn relief. Whole milk has fats and lactic acid which are softening and soothing to sunburned skin and speed healing. The fat is important, so don't use skim milk.  The oatmeal also speeds healing and protects the skin -- the light film which remains after the bath should be kept in place as long as possible. 

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